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Combivent vs. Albuterol

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Combivent Respimat (ipratropium/albuterol) and albuterol inhalers (such as ProAir HFA, Ventolin HFA) are both used to help with breathing problems but they have some differences. They both treat conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma, although using Combivent Respimat for asthma is an off-label use. Combivent Respimat is a combination medication that includes ipratropium, a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA), and albuterol, a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). In contrast, albuterol inhalers contain only albuterol, a SABA. Combivent Respimat is used regularly, up to 4 to 6 times a day, while albuterol inhalers are used as needed for sudden breathing problems. Combivent Respimat is only available as a brand-name medication, whereas albuterol inhalers are available in generic forms. Common side effects of Combivent Respimat include upper respiratory infections and cough, while albuterol inhalers can cause sore throat and throat irritation. Both medications can affect your heart rate and blood pressure, so it's important to talk to your healthcare provider about any heart conditions you have.

Combivent Respimat

(ipratropium / albuterol)

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Albuterol

 

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Summary for Combivent

Prescription only

Combivent Respimat is an inhaler that's used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in adults. It's a combination medication that contains two different bronchodilators: ipratropium, a short-acting muscarinic antagonist (SAMA), and albuterol, a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). The medication is inhaled through the mouth 4 times a day, but up to 6 times per day if instructed. Combivent Respimat (ipratropium / albuterol) isn't a rescue inhaler; it's used regularly rather than as needed for sudden breathing problems. Side effects aren't common but can include upper respiratory tract infections and cough.

Indications for Combivent

Pros and Cons for Combivent

Pros

  • Combines two different bronchodilators within a single inhaler for convenience
  • Can start to work in about 15 minutes to help with breathing for some people
  • Doesn't require shaking before use
  • Don't need to rinse your mouth after use

Cons

  • Not a rescue inhaler
  • Might need to use up to 6 times per day, depending on the severity of your COPD symptoms
  • Might not be a good option for people with heart problems
  • No lower-cost generic; only available as a brand-name medication

Common Side Effects for Combivent

Warnings for Combivent

  • Narrowing of the airways (bronchospasm)
  • Effects on the heart and blood pressure
  • Eye problems
  • Trouble urinating
  • Severe allergic reaction
  • Low potassium in the blood

Summary for Albuterol

Prescription only

Albuterol sulfate is a short-acting beta agonist (SABA). It's a rescue inhaler that treats or prevents sudden wheezing or shortness of breath in adults and children at least 4 years old with certain breathing problems, such as asthma. Albuterol is inhaled through the mouth using either an HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) or a dry powder inhaler. The typical dose is 2 inhalations every 4 to 6 hours as needed when you suddenly have trouble breathing. Albuterol side effects generally include sore throat, throat irritation, and infections.

Indications for Albuterol

  • Treatment or prevention of wheezing or tightening of airways in people ages 4 years and older with certain types of lung problems (e.g., asthma)
  • Prevention of exercise-induced asthma in people ages 4 years and older

Pros and Cons for Albuterol

Pros

  • Works within minutes to help you breathe easier when you have an asthma attack or trouble breathing
  • Only used as needed when you're short of breath or when you're about to exercise
  • Can be used by children as young as 4 years old
  • Available as two types of inhalers: HFA inhaler (or metered dose inhaler) and dry powder inhaler

Cons

  • Might have to use the inhaler multiple times per day since it's a short-acting medication
  • Might be difficult for some people to use the inhaler properly
  • Should carry with you at all times so you can use it when you need to

Common Side Effects for Albuterol

Note: Side effects you might have can depend on your age, dose, the type of albuterol inhaler you're using, and how often you're using the inhaler.

Warnings for Albuterol

  • Breathing problems
  • Heart problems
  • Low potassium in the blood
  • Allergic reactions

Prices with our coupons for Combivent vs. Albuterol

Price Card Drug Icon
Combivent1 respimat inhaler / 120 doses of 20mcg/100mcg
$503.40$648.88
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Albuterol1 hfa inhaler / 18g of 90mcg
$32.10$46.43
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